Built on the side of a hill, this garden was designed to complement a refurbished 1920s house, which backs onto parkland.  It needed to be modern, with a soft, traditional influence, suit the needs of a young family and be fun for entertaining.

The design pivots on generous, circular steps, which open the view up, into the garden from the glazed rear of living space within – and provide extra seating for party revellers. Crisp cut, randomly laid York stone, reclaimed bricks and wood form the framework. Sculpted box balls and bay echo the geometry and generous, sensuous planting of grasses; perennials, roses and shrubs wrap the curves. New trees extend the borrowed view from the park into the garden and curving yew hedge hides play equipment. A solid gravel path offers an inviting stroll or bike ride to the play area and the paddle stone pathway through planting to the hidden seating area to the rear.

Photographs by Marianne Majerus